Cruising around the internet is probably my distraction of choice because I kid myself, 'it's working really' Right.?!

Anyway I did come across this little gem http://kitandcaboodle.ning.com It's a bit like CraftHaus, but based in Australia. It has lots of new (to me) jewellery to look at, some good discussions going and a really fab list of links. With those alone you have literally days of 'worthwhile' distractions to keep you ( I mean ME) from getting down to proper work.

I'm on the 5th floor of the St.John's square building ( don't worry they have a lift) They also run a really good ongoing education program for members ( only £40.00 per year) about every aspect or running a small business, marketing, PR and general creative endeavours etc . VGFM IMHO!

Sunday, 24 October 2010

I've taught students from all over London, all over Europe and even India and Singapore which has been wonderful. Emma West came over all the way from Oman specially for a 3 day polymer clay/metal clay class.

Well done to her for making the journey, we had a fun 3 days and she made some lovely things. She has her own jewellery boutique in Muscat and has promised me she's going to spread the word about polymer and metal clay- more converts to our cause- hurrah

Saturday, 16 October 2010

A bit of eye candy heading for the weekend. Some polymer clay bead samples etc. to illustrate what we would cover in a days 'introduction' class.Quite a lot eh?! If you interested in learning more you can contact www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk where I teach or if you want a one to one lesson at my studio in North West London, call me on 07967 978061.

Wednesday, 13 October 2010

I've probably mentioned it before but Susan Lomuto's www.dailyartmuse.com is one of my absolute favourite blogs. She's just re designed the site and it looks fab. She has a knack of finding the most fantastic artists and unusual art. It's always food for thought and inspires me on a daily basis to take notice of the world outside my own particular niche.

Check it put and expand your horizons!!

In Susan Lomuto's own words,

'DAM explores the global landscape of handcrafted excellence by showcasing the best in contemporary fine craft. The site inspires artists, designers and collectors worldwide and is frequently used as an educational resource in traditional classroom settings (high school and college) as well as online learning environments'

Tuesday, 12 October 2010

I'd like to say that I made fantastic models with polymer clay as a kid, but I don't think it was around then or that I always wanted to do something arty, but that wasn't it either, at least not consciously!!

About 10 years ago however, I went back to college and did a diploma in figurative sculpture at Heatherley's College and totally loved it. My final disertation was about the American artist Alexander Calder, one of my enduring heroes, and my exhibition piece was inspired by his work Le Cirque.

Calder's Le Cirque

Debbie's version!

So far so not polymer clay, but during my research about using wire and colour I found Barbara McGuire's book, Wire in Design www.amazon.com/Wire-Design-Modern-Jewelry-Crafts and thro' her, polymer clay, metal clay and jewellery making as a natural extension after that.

So, some 8 years on, I've returned to my first love, life modelling the figure in clay and, yup, I still absolutely love it. I'm sharing a few pics of work in progress

Friday, 8 October 2010

I'm a member of a small (but perfectly formed) jewellery consortium called WOW Jewels! www.wowjewels.co.uk There are 8 of us, we got together about 3 years years ago and put on shows once or twice a year. Our next event is 8th-11th December at Craft Central http://www.craftcentral.org.uk/ in Clerkenwell, London EC1. There'll be lots of sumptious jewellery to peruse, mulled wine, some tempting special offers and , I promise, no carols!

What I like about the group is we all come from such different backgrounds and traditions, jewellery wise. I think this is a real plus for the visitors to our events- it's the 'something for everyone' thing.

Thursday, 7 October 2010

To be honest you don't normally go on these things for the food and the sightseeing! The great tutors, new ideas, interesting people and bit of shopping-of course. But last week's trip to Luc Sur Orbieu in the South West of France ticked every box.

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Canal du Midi

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Andy and the boys, paella evening

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Just over 50 people from all over the world got together in a community hall in a tiny village in the middle of the French countryside surrounded by vineyards. Kylee and her husband Andy, residents of said village seemed to have galvanized the entire population (about 1000) to the help with the event; cooking us truly spectacular food, putting us up in their homes and generally just being supportive to the cause of polymer clay!

Ah yes, polymer clay, I almost forgot, that's why we were there. 5 really fabulous tutors covering a diverse spectrum of work. First up for my group was Laurie Mika. http://www.mikaarts.com/ It was great to explore new surface design and techniques and think more deeply about meaning behind one's work. Lorretta Lam's beautiful wearable Inro's next. For me as much an exercise in attention to detail and finish, not always my strong point, as subtle colour choices and design http://www.lorettalam.com/

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Lisa Pavelka's faux batik session

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My 'Laurie Mika'

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Ronna Sarvas Weltman's session http://www.ronnasarvasweltman.com/ really blew me away. We covered a huge amount of ground and my head was full to bursting with ideas as a result. For me, the challenge is how to take all these wonderfully strong styles and techniques and to come up with something that becomes your own rather than a mini version of what the artist has made.

Creating custom findings is so important and Denise Peck http://www.beadingdaily.com/ took us through a 101 session on how to make headpins, clasps, earwires etc. A timely reminder for me that I can actually do this and to stop being lazy about it! Finally, but by no means least, a great session with Lisa Pavelka http://www.lisapavelka.com/ . Tips and tricks galore shared with great generosity and humour.

In fact generosity of spirit, humour and, as the Irish would say, great craic sum up the event. It was indeed tres coool!!

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About Me

Jewellery designer, maker and teacher. I 'discovered' polymer and metal clay almost 10 years ago and find both endlessly fascinating. I love living in London, exploring art, music, with good friends and family. Life is sweet!

Welcome to my little slice of polymer and metal clay heaven!

I'm passsionate about both these dynamic and creative materials and my aim is to share that passion by bringing you lots of up to date info about jewellery making with metal clay and polymer clay as well as some notes and insights on my own journey as a jewellery designer, maker and teacher. I hope you enjoy.